Phillips Books

To me Feynman is right up there with Albert Einstein. I love is fearlessness and is desire to see the truth. The Buddha and Feynman are probably enjoying a good laugh. I recommend his other book " What do you care what other people think".

This is the shortest book about quantum electrodynamics I've ever read, but it is still full of profound revelations (for instance, electrical charge is really nothing more than the square root of the probability that an electron will couple to a photon, etc)...

Feynman picks the thing that is simplest in the quantum world, a single particle, and explains it using no math. Instead of equations, the quantum theory in this book consists entirely of pictures. But this is not a popularization in the usual sense. This is not gossip about science. This actually is quantum theory in a very simple case. For anyone who wants to know how the universe is put together, this is an astonishing mind opener.

Feynman makes it easy for the curious amateur to understand. This book is accessible and mind-blowing. Everyone should read it. And there is little if any math so don't be intimidated.

In the Introduction to the 'Strange Theory of Light and Matter' Feynman tells us that what he likes to talk about is the "part of physics that is known, rather than a part that is unknown." And he goes on to give us a thumbnail sketch, a "physicist's history of physics," which shows how physicist's, in their quest to describe the world, continually reduce a group of seemingly unrelated phenomenon to a single phenomenon. So heat and sound were found, thanks to Newton, to be reducible to laws of motion, while electricity, magnetism and light were reducible to Maxwell's electromagnetic wave. In this way physicist's explain the world.

Here one is almost tempted to say that they proceed much as religion and ideology do. Religion has from the beginning of recorded history been taking phenomenon and feelings, like storms and suffering or aging and despair, and molding them into an internally coherent explanation of all that is and was and will be. They do this by separating the relevant from the incidental, then uncovering the essential by excluding the accidental. They simplify. In similar ways ideologues like the communists take what at one time were discreet incidents and disparate facts (for instance, the poverty of the third world and imperialism) and weave them into a grand general explanation. Is science merely the latest avatar of religion? - Or perhaps it is an ideology without tears?

Not so fast! Feynman goes on to show us that attempts to explain the atomic world foundered on the laws of motion. He shows us that the rescue of those shipwrecked on the shoals of classical theory involved the invention of a new, counter-intuitive theory, Quantum Mechanics. He then goes on, while discussing a small portion of that theory, to give us the (deliberately) hilarious and 'absurd' example of how physicists predict how many photons, out of a given number, will be reflected back from a surface. 'Draw little arrows on a piece of paper' and watch the clock, he tells us. And with no explanation as to why this procedure works! Of course, for physics, what matters is that it does work. Physicists have been forced "away from making absolute predictions to merely calculating the probability of an event." But where is the essential, the eternal, the necessary?

Perhaps this is what Feynman is driving at. Science describes, it doesn't explain why. We should all wonder at that. The great 'philosophical' questions that drive theology and political ideology are beyond the purview of physics. Science doesn't create worlds; nor does it 'interpret' or change them, it simply describes what it finds. (It is technology that changes the world.) Freud saw fit to end one of his books by saying that 'our science is no illusion, but it would be an illusion to believe you can find elsewhere what it does not offer.' But how much truer this is of physics! One is then perhaps not surprised to come away from this little book wondering exactly what the status of philosophy, psychoanalysis, politics and religion would be in a genuinely scientific world.

But of course there will never be, given human irrationality, an entirely scientific human culture. This book is a superb introduction to quantum electrodynamics. It's 'experimentalism' and agnosticism towards grand philosophical explanations I found very congenial and convincing. Feynman is an engaging personality and this is an entertaining book. While one doesn't need a degree in physics and math to understand him a lay competence and interest in math and physics is certainly necessary. For those of us still living in a Newtonian world, a dwindling number to be sure, this book will have several surprising moments. But that really is part of the show!

If anyone ever wondered what the various phrases in Psalm 23 really meant, this book explains them, one by one, from the perspective of a man who actually worked as a shepherd. I was in a Bible Study, and was given this little book which was a tremendous blessing and eye opener for this Psalm which I have quoted many many times during lengthy medical procedures and tests. I really treasure the explanations. Thanks Mr. Keller, for writing this book. You made this Psalm come literally alive in my heart and mind.

I HAVEN'T TOTALLY READ THIS BOOK BUT IT WAS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO ME BY A FRIEND WHO KNOW'S MY SITUATION. I WAS GLAD TO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO FIND/BUY IT AND GET IT IN A TIMELY MANNER. SO FAR I REALLY LIKE THIS BOOK & WOULD RECOMMEND IT TO OTHERS.

The shepherd's perspective on the 23rd Psalm expands the meaning far beyond the usual interpretations. The Psalm comes alive with such depth that you will never again read or hear these familiar words in the same way. Phillip Keller's narrative is entertaining, informative and inspiring.

Philip Keller was the son of missionaries in E. Africa. Later, a sheep owner and rancher. And finally a lay pastor. His life experiences provide the expertise needed to unearth the rare gems buried within Psalm 23. I highly recommend this book for women's groups looking to "lie down in green pastures" under the watchful eye of The Great Shepherd.

Excellent service and fast delivery. Great discount and free shipping greatly appreciated. Very insightful. Author is extremely knowledgable.

Clearly this book provides the basics on writing letters of complaint. Most of it is just common sense (not so common these days). If you treat business people the way you would want them to treat you, it usually works out in the end. I didn't find much new in it. The contact addresses are helpful, but then most of them can be found on the net.. and more current

Very insightful and useful. I have used some of her template letters for airline complaints. In the past, I used her writings for a labor complaint and got $18,000 from my former employer.

I wish this book was available in downloadable electronic form which will make it more useful in practice by cutting and pasting.

I have the book for several years and its contents have saved me time and money over and over again. It is rich in samples of real letters and complaints, with real cases.
I recommend to anyone that ever needs to write a complaint letter and/or need to reach government agencies.

Anyone who has made enough transactions with Amazon.com can tell you, Amazon.com has its share of foul-ups. And when mistakes (that are bound to happen from time-to-time) do happen, the biggest errors occur in their customer service department. For me, I know that I have written e-mail after e-mail complaining about RUDE, ERRONEOUS and downright FRAUDULENT communication emanating from the unskilled and unsupervised excuse for a customer service department only to have other unskilled, unsupervised hacks respond. I kept explaining that I was not seeking compensation, I was trying to complain about Amazon.com's customer service, but Amazon.com either doesn't care or doesn't have a mechanism to care. My e-mails which always started, please forward this to so-and-so's supervisor never were. I can't wait for the follow-up to this book. "How To Write Letters Of Complaint to OUTSOURCED INDIANS WHO DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW THE AMERICAN CONSUMER WANTS TO BE TREATED!!"

Yes, I too first saw this book in the school library! I was in the sixth grade....and the school was SO over-crowded that my class had its classroom IN the library! THE LOST QUEEN OF EGYPT is a truly magical book...from seeing the beckoning title, onwards!

The book has many illustrations....always welcome in any book, even one for adults....but especially one for teens and pre-teens, as is this book.
The colour front-plate of "Queen Anksenamon", on shiny paper, is from another book, "Great Ones of Ancient Egypt". It is a painting in the modern style, as if the queen were sitting for it today. In her ancient Egyptian robes and wig, the queen's portrait is three-dimensional, very realistic, charming, and totally regal. Yet, one can easily sense the real person beneath the royal robes. This queen has many problems, which are deliniated in this fictionalized (?) life-story.

Starting when Princess Anksenpaaten, second daughter of the fabled Pharaoh, Aknaton, is just a girl, the book tells of her childhood, her parents, her grandmother, Queen Ti, her cousin, Princess Baketaton, her 6 sisters, her cousins Samenkarah and Tutankaton, and various soldiers, (including the general Horemheb, later himself to become Pharaoh), the evil, and wily counsellor, Ay -- and Kenofer, a young artist from Crete. In delineating Ankenspaaton's story, which unfolds amidst a background of royal luxury, and a family that truly does love one another, a tale of palace intrigue and danger unfolds, filled with friendship, tragedy, terror, and suspense!

Helping the story along are the marvelously wonderful black and white line illustrations...all done in the manner of the ancient Egyptians...that is, showing people mostly in profile, and in stylized poses. But these poses are still realistic, and one is enchanted with their artistry and believability.......

All in all, this is an entrancing, involving, exciting book, filled with historic, true-to-life characters that come to life before the reader's eyes. Coming to life too is the historical setting and atmosphere. Gripping with its suspense, and breath-taking in it's tragedy and romance, this book is a true classic which, one hopes, will endure in the hearts of its readers, (and in successive printings!), for as many generations as Ancient Egypt itself did!

I can't believe there are so many of us who have read this book. I took fell in love with this book during my 6th grade year in 1987. I found it in my school library at the time and ever since I read it I have been facinated by anything Egyptian. I even wanted to be a history teacher for awhile because of it. Now with my own 11 yr old 6th grader, I too would love to get my hands on this book for her. Here's hoping I can find one...

Excellent, excellent book with the perfect amount of detail. Truly pulls you in and makes you "see" Ancient Egypt with the characters.

Loved it!

I can't believe it! There must be thousands of us who read this book as a kid and fell in love with ancient Egypt. I thought I was the only one. This book had such an impact on my life. Because of it I spent countless hours reading and researching the 18th dynasty of ancient Egypt. Most of my research papers in school were devoted to some aspect of Egyptian life of that time. I even wanted to be an archeologist when I grew up - until I realized that it involved dirt, heat, humidity and sweat! But this book started me on my love of history and ancient times. How I wish they would reissue the book so young people today could read it and so I could get a copy of it without spending $100!

I smiled as I read these reviews; I, too, searched for years for a copy of this book, and I, too, thought I was the only person smitten with this book 40 years ago. Like many before me, I was drawn to archaeology solely due to this book. Highly recommended for junior and high school girls--it truly makes history come alive!

It has been years since I read this book, too, but I love it! You have always heard about King Tut, but this one is about his wife, Ankhsenpaaten. A thrilling novel that lets you see into the life of the Egyptians. This is the type of story that makes you believe your really there, that you are her, living your life in ancient Egypt. Morrison does such a wonderful job describing the places, that you can actually "feel" the heat of the desert, until you walk into the cool stone tomb that is being painted and decorated, even though Pharaoh is not dead yet. It's amazing to think that I learned so much of the culture, scenery, and people, without even realizing it! I will always love this book, and will continue to read it every so often just to read a wonderful novel! Oh, and to the person who reviewed before me: Yes, I believe this is the same book you remember. I hope you find a copy for yourself, to treasure forever!

As a third grade teacher I just want to say that Mr. Done has put my classroom into words-thank you, it makes me feel good to know that all third grade teachers are in the same boat, and enjoying the ride....most of the time.

If you want to laugh until you cry, then read this book! Phillip Done captures all the joys of teaching and expresses it in a way that is hilarious. As I tried to share passages with my family, I couldn't get it out because I was laughing so hard. Anyone who has taught or is starting their first year of teaching should definitely read this. You will be truly inspired!

If you teach, this is a MUST read!

Mr. Done was my fourth grade teacher. I was positively THRILLED when I realized he had written a book. He was, by far, one of my most memorable teachers to this day. His book is amazing, and brought back a lot of awesome memories I have of elementary school. Excellent read.

I recommend this book highly for readers of just about any age. It will be enjoyed by anyone who is a teacher, was a teacher, or ever had a teacher! Many times I had to stop reading to wipe away the tears of laughter.

"My Cat Saved My Life," is a charming and insightful account of
the relationship between an abandoned kitten and a man
who has fallen into the dark pit of depression that most
of us have visited at one time or another.
Over a period of several months, the author
learns to observe life through the eyes of a the cat.
He makes several related changes in his life,
e.g. sleep patterns, relationship to nature
and, in the years to follow, the title of the book
becomes reality.
Any animal lover would enjoy every word of
this book. Any animal non-lover could
be converted.

I was convalescing from a serious illness when I discovered this book (in 2001). Having come upon it during an Animal Planet television show, I had recently lost a pet cat of 7+years. Seeing this story about the relationship between a man and his cat and how it affected him really jolted me out of the mental coma I had been in. Although I have never really gotten over the death of my cat and been able to consider another pet, this book is one of the most meaningful and profound I have ever read. The writing is meaningful and laconic; it tells the emotional story of the events in life which sometimes wrench us out of the sick, banal reality of everyday existence and into a place where we finally can comprehend the significance of spirtuality and God. It really gave me the perspective I needed, and I still carry sentiments of that book with me everywhere I go. Sometimes it is good to have a reminder, however small, that someone is watching over us and that there is something out there which can provide comfort in times of need.

So, I am getting ready to fly home to the West Coast and my sister hands me a couple of books including this little book and I think "Oh great, a stupid book about a cat," but think "at least I will look at it."
Holy cow! Everyone can relate to this author. READ IT. I'm giving it to a lot of friends.

I have always been of the belief that animals can be enormously beneficial to the emotional well-being of humans, and have always loved animals, cats in particular. This book is small, but don't be fooled: it is a true emotional roller coaster that gets to the essence of the human-animal emotional bond better than any other book I have read.

Phillip Schreibman was grieving over the loss of both of his parents after long, tortuous illnesses. He had found himself inconsolable and depressed. Much to his surprise the one who finally led him out of his depression was a tiny little orphaned kitten he took in and named Alice. Over her lifetime she managed to teach him important lessons he had never understood before, and ultimately even prepared him for her own passing. There is no question that there is great sadness in this book, but it is ultimately uplifting, as the lessons Phillip learned from "Cat School", as he called it, let him regain a firm foothold on his own life.

This book was particularly touching to me as it paralleled an encounter with a kitten, "Ghost Blimp" (a.k.a. "Gloovis") who I took in when she was a tiny ball of fur, and who graced my life for seven years, like Alice. Although those seven years were far too short, in that time her presence helped me recover from the loss of my father. My point here in telling you this is that the lessons Schreibman learns from Alice are universally applicable to other lives as well. I believe that whatever animal you choose to keep company with has lessons to teach you.

My only critique of the book would be a disagreement with a couple of the specific conclusions that Schreibman draws about "Creation" versus "Culture." Having said that, it is his book, and the conclusions he draws are important for him to tell. Everyone would have slightly different conclusions after going through events like those relayed here, but that does not diminish the power of this little book.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who is grieving for any reason, particularly after the loss of a loved one, and also to any animal lover. Thank you Phillip, and thank you, Alice, even more for this beautiful book.

Don't let the title or short length of this book fool you - it contains a huge amount of wisdom. You don't have to be a cat lover to appreciate what the author is going through and what he learns. He has put exactly into words what I have been thinking for a long time. He has done an amazing job.

Before approaching the text of Alexis de Tocqueville's Democracy in America, I had little realization as to the proper content of his prophetic work. To my former understanding, the text was merely a collection of adulation and reflections upon the American way of life by a French observer in the nineteenth century. Upon reading this abridged version of Democracy in America, I found a much more prophetic text which reflected more upon the cultural impact of democratic institutions than upon the praise which should be attributed thereto. While one may fault de Tocqueville for approaching the democratic world with the cutting eye of a small aristocracy, it is quite evident that he accepted the fact that the human spirit was led to greater democratic tendencies and that such was to be taken almost a priori as the state of the world in his era.

The truly important reflection of the work as a whole comes in the considerations which he places upon the consequences of equality which follows from democratic revolutions. The phenomena of hardy individualism and its potential devolvement into individualism were not lost in his reflections. From this hardy individualism, de Tocqueville feared that humanity in democratic times may tend more toward equality and stability than toward liberty. In this, he not only foresaw the simple tendencies of utilitarian artwork and literature but also the potential destruction of civil associations and the devaluation of individual accomplishment and differentiation. It is this latter point, which seems somewhat paradoxical at first glance, which is perhaps the most prophetic of his reflections. In the process of cultural homogenization and individuation, de Tocqueville foresees that centralization of power will become much more likely as the populace views itself to be nothing more than an accumulation of nearly-identical citizens. Beyond this, his fears of the tyranny which could result by the abandonment of liberties by the people are well founded, for a society which wholly forgets the fact that some human beings can stand out is one which can easily allow itself to be subjected to the capricious desires of a powerful state as liberty is wholly forgotten.

These prophetic words should be read by all reflective Americans as we continue to move toward a larger centralized state and clamor with greater intensity for security in all forms (be it physical or social), for such equalizing security can only come at the cost of the liberties which allow the individual to actually have the worth which we intellectually affirm that he or she has.

As an American living in Europe, I read with great interest Alexis de Tocqueville's book about a European experiencing America.

Like most people, Mr. de Tocqueville started out with a characterization of the United States, believing that the country's early 19th century prosperity was a function of its distance from rivals in Europe. But after his famous trip, he concludes that the real difference comes from each side's view of risk taking. It's an insight as relevant today as it was when it was written.

Mr. de Tocqueville predicted that the growing issue of state's rights would lead to bloodshed (it led to the Civil War -- though he wrongly predicted it would eventually lead to a breakup of the union, he was very nearly right on that point as well); he predicts the fledgling country's industrial rise and its emergence as a true world power; he recognized the symbiotic role between industry and democracy at a time when they were believed to be unrelated. His insights into the American psyche, optimism, and ambition at times seem timelier than most op-ed pieces.

More than a century and a half after it was written, I am hard pressed to conjure the name of a better commentary about America and Americans. It is an astonishing feat considering the brevity of Mr. de Tocqueville's four-month visit, his youth (he was in his early 20s), and early stage of development the country was in. But the result is something that shouldn't be skipped by any serious student of the political and social essence of the United States.

I have three complaints about this edition of Tocqueville:
1) Nowhere in the book is the translator credited. This violates basic principles of publication and scholarship.
2) This is in fact an abridged version of the original English-language translation by Henry Reeve, dating from sometime before 1862. Unless you want to re-create the experience of a modern Frenchman confronted with de Tocqueville's somewhat archaic French by reading the text in somewhat archaic English, I would seek out any of the more recent translations: there are at least three.
3) The ellipses, that is, the abridgements, have sometimes been made to conceal some of the author's less flattering views America. In fact I suspect this is a "patriotic" abridgement. For example, in the second chapter of part one, Heffner has omitted references to some of the excesses of Puritan law in New England which the notoriously even-handed Tocqueville had cited.

Praising this book is a bit like saying Huckleberry Finn was one of the great American novels - it's a profound statement of the obvious. Even so, it must be said: Alexis de Tocqueville's magnum opus is a brilliant sociological analysis of America, with his genius made all the more evident by how applicable his observations about 1830s America are to its twenty-first century counterpart. Everything from the solidity of America's political infrastructure to the disquieting trend toward anti-intellectualism are explored in this massive work, and his gift of analysis is matched only by his gift for prophecy (can you believe that he predicted a conflict between America and Russia before the rise of Communism?). An amazing book, and necessary reading for anyone who wishes to understand America, rather than merely talk about it.

As a former reviewer has stated this edition takes quite a bit of liberty in excising the less flattering aspects of Tocqueville's views of America. In fact the entire section on race-relations has been excised --perhaps it was deemed too controversial? This kind of editing is even more unacceptable in our age of open communications and hopefully open minds. Find another edition.

A quick read that will help the family of this fallen Marine heal their pain. Would be a good basis for a course or discussion or analyis of how wishful thinking and hope by well meaning people falls short when they lose sight of the realities of the situation and circumstances. None of which takes anything away from the valient heart of Medal of Honor recipient Corporal Jason Dunham, USMC.

This is also a non-fiction book about the trials of becoming a Marine, then a leader of men, and then a victim of the tribulations of that position. I have been reading the Wall Street Journal for over 50 years, and have been ever salutory of the reporters that have produced stories for that instituion----and this is NO exception! This reporter dug up the very varied backgrounds of these Marines, and brought them into focus of a VERY controversial time in the U.S.----and the M.D.'s and nurses that played their roles in the very lives of these fighting men and women----that are on the the frontline--------so that we do not have to be.

This was an incredible book about an incredible young man and his sacfrice for our freedom. As a USMC veteran of the first GUlf War I was interested in reading what these guys are dealing with in Iraq. As a father I was so caught up in what his family went through and how they dealt with the decisions they had to make. This book will be on the top of my list of favorite books.

Michael Philips is a gifted writer who crafts and amazing story of a wonderful young man who gave his life to save his fellow Marines. Buy it, read it, and pass it on to someone else to read. Five stars are not enough for this book.

I know it's only January but this book is fantastic - an extremely well-written account of a fascinating story of a true American hero. Strongly recommended.

Each chapter reminds you of a time in your own life, and makes you ask yourself "what did I learn from that experience" and what about that situation makes me who I am today. You can't help but stop and think about the things in your life that really matter. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to develop, inspire and laugh.

Reading this book brought back memories and the emotiions of a youth growing up and learning not just about the world but more importantly the people in it. This book is a must read to individuals who wish to re-experience the joy of youth and the challenges it brought.

What an experience seeing these stories in print! They hit very close to home. In fact, they were FROM my home. Growing up in our home was a trip!. We were all very different, yet very much alike. Shared experiences have created a bond like nothing else. Our parents had a great impact on who we all are today. I'm proud to be Joe & Barbara's daughter, and Phil, Mark & Dan's sister. Phil's book created the same emotions in me as it has for many others. The tears and laughter were there, but I also feel the pride of being Phil's sister. As I read the book, many of the chapters reminded me of other stories he could have included (and some I'm glad he didn't!). Thanks for the stories Phil, you always were full of them!

After hearing Phil speak so many times, I didn't think it could get better than that, until this book. It was if he was right there telling me his stories personaly and touching my heart with everyone of them. The book is so easy to read and draws every reader back into their childhood. I love the way he tied the entire book together to end with such an inspirational feeling that there is hope in this world if parents would take the time to spend time with all of their own (little Joe's boys and girls)

This book is a Trojan Horse -- it looks like a warm, homespun book full of humorous down-home anaecdotes. But in reality it is a book of wisdom gleaned from rural roots and applied to the corporate boardroom. Phil Van Hooser has done a marvelous job of telling stories that have point.

Pass on this one. Monticello itself takes a back seat to the Levy saga of buying the estate.

Saving Monticello by Marc Leepson is a definitive history of the fate of Thomas Jefferson's home from the time of Jefferson's death in 1826 at the age of 83, to 1923, when the home was purchased and turned into a memorial and destination for visitors.

Thomas Jefferson's Monticello is perhaps the most elegant and unique home in America. What happened to the marvelous home is a fascinating story that Leepson tells in ground-breaking depth. In his old age, Jefferson found himself about $100,000 in debt (some $1.6 million in today's dollars), mostly due to overspending over a period of many years. Tragically, Jefferson lived long enough to realize that his business mistakes were going to result in the loss of his beloved mansion, and that his daughter and grandchildren would be left destitute. Even while Jefferson still lived, Monticello began to fall into disrepair.

After the old man died, the house sat neglected for a number of years until it purchased by a most unusual man: Commodore Uriah Levy of the United States Navy. A New Yorker and proud descendant of Spanish Jews, Levy lived in the house only part-time, but did much to preserve the home from ruin. He lost possession of the home when Monticello was confiscated by the Confederate government due to Levy's active-duty service in the U.S. Navy.

It was during this time that Monticello entered its darkest period. Levy died during the war, leaving a complicated will. That and the Confederate seizure led to a clouded title and a lawsuit. For some seventeen years, the property was not only neglected, but openly abused. A trustee in Charlottesville, hostile to the Levys because they were Jewish and Yankees, hired a slovenly caretaker who stored grain in the parlor and allowed students from the University of Virginia to wreck the place in drunken parties. By the time Jefferson Levy, a nephew of Uriah, took possession of the house in 1879, Monticello looked like a haunted house.

Leepson's account of Jefferson Levy's restoration of the mansion gets a little tedious at times, but that's a forgivable sin in a book that aims to be the last word on a topic that's received very little attention. The struggle between Levy and those who wished to make Monticello a shrine lasted for decades and involved unsavory levels of anti-Semitism and gender politics. Eventually, Levy fell on hard times and sold the place to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation which continues to own and operate Monticello today.

It's interesting to realize what a close thing it really was to losing Monticello altogether. Although the Levys weren't cuddly or lovable characters, it was they who stood between Monticello and ruin for years in which other Americans could not have cared less what happened to the place. Thanks to Saving Monticello, the saga of the Levy years at Monticello can now be known and fully understood. This book will be of great interest to anyone interested in Monticello or in historic preservation in America.

This is a great book. A saga that is more than the story of how Monitcello was passed on through the years, but rather, a reflection of broader political and social history from the 1830s to the 1920s. Very detailed; interesting facts; some surprises; and as one editorial review has noted "rich with memorable, larger-than-life characters." If any serious Hollywood producer happens to be reading, the book offers a terrific story that could be made into a movie. I can't wait to read Marc Leepson's next book.

I highly recommend Marc Leepson's book 'Saving Monticello' because it gives credit to the Levy family without whose help and stewardship Monticello may have been erased forever.
His detail and insight of story serve to hold the reader's interest of not only Thomas Jefferson, but of the history of the time. Mr. Leepson very patiently educates us about the Levy family and their unwavering loyalty to Monticello. I had often wondered what had happened to Monticello during the years after Jefferson's death until the Memorial Foundation took it over and now is supplied to us a fascinating history, a thread which we must all be tempted to follow and remember as part of our own history. I cannot imagine looking at Monticello in the same way as I did before I read Mr. Leepson's, "Saving Monticello".

I have just finished reading "Saving Monticello" and want to say just how much I enjoyed it. I am a long-time fan of Jefferson and particularly his architectural endeavors (the subject of my master's thesis) so I go out of my way to find new items on the subject. It was great to learn about those "lost years" of Monticello that up until now have barely been touched on and I would recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in American history. The author has clearly delineated what a tenuous hold we sometimes have on important landmarks and how easily they can be lost to future generations if we are not careful.